Known as the Bayou Barbie, Angel Reese is recognized for her prowess on the court and her fashion choices off the hardwood. The 22-year-old Chicago Sky forward is no stranger to daring outfits that showcase her physique. For her first appearance on the cover of Vogue, Reese opted for more modest attire. It’s a decision she addressed on social media after returning from a brief hiatus.
“I covered up and gave y’all CoverGirl,” the basketball star wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.
In a video posted to social media after her initial “covered up” tweet, Reese poked fun at those who have previously criticized her fashion choices. The text on the screen read “All of that ‘she needs to cover up’ ‘she’s cheapening her brand.'” It continued, “deletes Instagram for a few days” and concluded, “pops back out ‘COVERED UP’ on an AMERICAN VOGUE COVER.”
The Black Women Behind Reese’s Vogue Cover
Reese graces the Vogue cover in a figure hugging, red Versace gown. Her hair is bone straight with a middle part. Two Black women are behind the WNBA player’s hair and styling for the cover. Julia Sarr-Jamois styled Reese’s look, while Lacy Redway is responsible for her sleek hair choice. The two helped create a memorable aesthetic that has since gone viral.
Julia Sarr-Jamois
Julia Sarr-Jamois oozes cool, effortless style. The stylist, hailing from London, is British Vogue’s fashion director. According to her website, Sarr-Jamois is both the youngest and first Black person to hold that position. She is a lover of bright colors and plays with texture and patterns. Once a model herself, Sarr-Jamois’ personal style is impressive. She’s always on social media in well curated outfits that showcase her high taste level. It’s no wonder superstars from Beyonce, to SZA and now Angel Reese have trusted her to work her magic for them. Sarr-Jamois is the fashion icon behind some of the looks on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, Sha’carri Richardson’s iconic Vogue cover and SZA’s recent British Vogue appearance. She started her career at 19 working for i-D and has now worked in the fashion industry for 16 years.
Lacy Redway
Lacy Redway is beloved within the celebrity hair industry. The Jamaican-born stylist’s work graces countless magazine covers, runway shows and red carpets. Redway has also appeared on “Project Runway.” While Redway has worked on a variety of hair types, it’s just something about the way she creates for Black women that really shines. Her work on Ryan Destiny, Ayo Edebiri, Kelly Rowland, Joan Smalls and Anok Yai exemplifies a deep understanding and love for textured hair.
Redway says she was her own first client. In an interview with Television Jamaica, she explains that her hair fell out after applying a relaxer. Redway says that experience pushed her to learn how to do hair. She says her “made it” moment was when Jill Scott hired her to style her “The Light of the Sun” album cover.
“I was brought on to create this elaborate hair piece,” Redway explained. “Very graphic sculptural hair piece. It took a lot of research on my part to really understand how to build a foundation and make sure it’s secure. Sometimes you only get one shot to make a good impression.”
Despite all of her accomplishments, Redway says giving back is at the top of her current bucket list. She hopes to return to Jamaica to mentor young stylists. She also plans to one day release her own haircare line.